Harold Borgman

Harold Borgman was a man who used his talents in the building trades. He was a true outdoorsman who fished, hunted and water skied. Most importantly, he was a loving husband, devoted father, and doting grandfather and great grandfather who was determined to give his family a great life.

Born November 22, 1917 in Holland, Michigan to Albert and Hannah (Reidsma) Borgman, Harold was the fourth child of eight. Albert and Hannah worked hard to raise Harold and his siblings: Clyde, Alvin, Bernard, Ada, Gerald, Ruth and Emily. The time Harold was growing up was a good time to raise a family, even though the “war to end all wars” was right around the corner. Harold’s love of the outdoors was evident early on. He enjoyed spending his time fishing, and hunting for pheasant and rabbits with his friends. Those who hunted with Harold looked on in admiration as he picked a bird out of the sky with a single shot. The family owned a massive garden and of course with such a large family there were always chores for the children. When Harold wasn’t hunting or helping with chores he could be found attending school. Harold could only attend through the eighth grade, since like so many others at this time, he was needed at home.

After leaving school, Harold worked for Nelis' Tulip Farm in Holland during the years of the Great Depression. He wanted to enlist in the military during World War II, but with so many other family members joining, Harold could not be spared. He went to work for ChrisCraft, instead, where he supervised the building of the landing craft for his part in the war effort.

One fateful day, Harold heard a playful whistle from across the street. When he discovered that the whistler was a pretty young lady named Henrietta, he immediately asked her out. During their courtship Harold had to walk all the way to Henrietta’s house, which was no small task. Harold was always up for a challenge and he definitely thought this one was well worth it! Harold and Henrietta made their love official and exchanged their vows on January 27, 1938.

Harold and Henrietta started their married life together in Holland. Harold started working at Five Star Lumber Company where he laid bricks to support the family, while Henrietta stayed home to care for the children and run the household. Over the next few years they brought five wonderful children into the world, Phyllis, Rodger, David, Dale and Denise. Sadly, David died from Leukemia at the young age of four.

Over the years Harold found employment at a variety of places using his skills and talent for building. After working at Five Star, Harold became self employed as a mason contractor. Some of his brick laying handiwork can be seen at Holland Hospital, St. Ignace Coast Guard station, and St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church. Later, Harold worked as a service manager for Holland Motor Homes.

For the family, Harold built a brick home on Pinecrest in 1949, bricking the entire house himself. He also designed and built fireplaces. Later on he began working with stained glass, creating beautiful lamps, which were his favorite. Everything Harold did he did with precision and great skill.

Harold was a lifelong member of the Beechwood Reformed Church. He and his family attended Sunday services, as well as Harold serving as janitor, Elder and Deacon. On Sunday mornings before church, Harold loved to listen to music. He would crank it up loudly to make sure everyone was up and ready to go!

In his free time Harold reveled in outdoor sports. He and a few friends would get together and spend their time in the water. With their handmade boats they would go fishing, boating and even water skiing, ending with a Saturday night cook out. Harold also loved golf, his only regret in being that he started the sport too late in life!

Sadly, Henrietta passed away on August 6, 1995, leaving behind a grieving husband and family.

Five years later, Harold found a special woman to share his remaining years with. He met Theresa Ronda and the two were married. They enjoyed five wonderful years together, and he appreciated the quality time they could spend with Theresa's wonderful family.

Harold will be remembered for his love of nature and his talented workmanship. He will be remembered for his years of service to his church. He will be remembered by his family for the many wonderful memories and of his ambition and drive to give them a great childhood and great life. Harold will be missed by all who knew and loved him in his long and productive life.

Harold A. Borgman of Lakeside Vista, Holland, went to be with his Lord and Savior on August 28, 2008.

He was preceded in death by his wives, Henrietta (Van Dyke), Theresa Ronda; a son, David Borgman; Grandson, Matthew Ericks, Granddaughters, Amy VanderWall, Tami VanderWall; Parents, Albert and Hannah Borgman; Brothers, Clyde (Kathleen) Borgman, Alvin Borgman, Bernard (Celeste Mae) Borgman, a sister, Ada (John) Timmer; and a Step Daughter, Ginger VanderMolen.

He will be lovingly missed by his family: Walter and Phyllis VanderWall of Grant, MI, Rodger and Peggy Borgman, of Williamston, MI, Dale Borgman, of Holland, and Denise Ericks of Richland, MI; brother, Gerald Borgman; sisters, Ruth DeKraker, Emily (John) Russell; sisters-in-law, Amy Borgman, of Zeeland, Shirley Bierema, of Holland; brother-in-law, Harvey VanDyke, of Spring Lake; 9 Grandchildren; 15 Great Grandchildren; 5 Great Great Grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. His step children, James and Marilyn Ronda of Holland, Raymond and Nancy Ronda, of Lombard, Illinois; 11 Step Grandchildren; several step great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.

Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, 11:00a.m. at Beechwood Reformed Church. Officiating will be the Rev. Marvin Beukelman. Burial will be in Hillside Cemetery, Grant, MI.

Visitation is scheduled for Friday, 7-9p.m., at the Northwood Chapel, Dykstra Life Story Funeral Homes, 295 Douglas Ave., Holland, and from 10:00a.m., until the time of the service Saturday at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Beechwood Church, or to International Aid of Spring Lake.

An on-line registry is available at www.lifestorynet.com.